GROUND-WAR DECISION ON HOLD

Cable News Network reported Monday night that it had been told that a U.S. decision to begin a gulf war ground offensive would await the outcome of a Soviet diplomatic initiative.

CNN's Pentagon correspondent in Washington said final plans for a ground war were continuing on schedule, but sources "say privately the decision to launch the offensive will await the outcome of the Soviet initiative."It also said the Pentagon sources did not believe Iraqi President Saddam Hussein would agree to an unconditional withdrawal of his forces from Kuwait.